Posted on October 2, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
About 20 people have applied for the full-time positions available in the Starke County EMS Department.
EMS Director Travis Clary told the Starke County Commissioners Monday night that many of those applicants are internal and it will be a difficult choice as all of them are qualified for the positions. He anticipates filling the full-time positions next week.
Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie said the run volume is increasing again which is helping their revenue numbers. Starke County EMS is the first responder unit called if a transfer is needed from Starke Hospital.
Ritchie also noted that a Memorandum of Understanding between the county and the hospital regarding a county transfer unit has not been returned by the hospital. They are anticipating communication with the hospital soon.
Commissioner Kathy Norem stressed that the staff should be trained on the ambulance BiPAP and ventilator equipment as soon as possible so all employees are trained before the transfer unit is put into service as their use is required by the hospital. Clary said he would check into that today.
Showing posts with label Starke County EMS Department. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Starke County EMS Department. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Starke County Council Discusses Additional Staff for EMS, Sheriff’s Department
Posted on September 18, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Council members discussed requests from the Starke County EMS Department and the Starke County Sheriff’s Department for additional staff members in 2019.
The Starke County Commissioners previously approved three additional full-time paramedics and three additional full-time EMTs for the EMS Department. It came before the council members Monday night where Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie outlined how the salaries would work and explained how much money the department would save on overtime costs. She said overtime is what is currently killing their budget and they anticipate asking for an additional appropriation soon to help keep that fund solvent through the rest of the year.
The council members agreed that the additional full-time paramedics and EMTs would save the county in the long-run and approved the request.
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin previously went before the commissioners to request one additional jailer and one additional patrolman for 2019 and it met their approval. The pay for both positions would be paid for out of the Therapeutic Community Fund. Since the commissioners approved the recommendation, the council followed suit and approved the additional positions.
In addition, the sheriff and Office Manager Pam McDonald presented a more detailed funding outlook and what changes are anticipated in the sheriff’s budget in 2019 which was well received by all of the council members and the commissioners.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Council members discussed requests from the Starke County EMS Department and the Starke County Sheriff’s Department for additional staff members in 2019.
The Starke County Commissioners previously approved three additional full-time paramedics and three additional full-time EMTs for the EMS Department. It came before the council members Monday night where Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie outlined how the salaries would work and explained how much money the department would save on overtime costs. She said overtime is what is currently killing their budget and they anticipate asking for an additional appropriation soon to help keep that fund solvent through the rest of the year.
The council members agreed that the additional full-time paramedics and EMTs would save the county in the long-run and approved the request.
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin previously went before the commissioners to request one additional jailer and one additional patrolman for 2019 and it met their approval. The pay for both positions would be paid for out of the Therapeutic Community Fund. Since the commissioners approved the recommendation, the council followed suit and approved the additional positions.
In addition, the sheriff and Office Manager Pam McDonald presented a more detailed funding outlook and what changes are anticipated in the sheriff’s budget in 2019 which was well received by all of the council members and the commissioners.
Friday, August 17, 2018
Starke County EMS to Update Reporting Software
Posted on August 16, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The reporting software for the Starke County EMS Department is getting an upgrade.
EMS Director Travis Clary told the Starke County Commissioners last week that the state is requiring the department to be system compliant with report writing software. The department has to show substantial progress of upgrading software by Nov. 1 or else face a $500 fine per occurrence.
There are certain statistics the state is looking for and the current software doesn’t allow for that to be reported to the state.
Two systems were reviewed and Health EMS was the cheaper option at $9,792 which is a yearly payment for five years paid for by the EMS Department. Clary and Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie are pleased with this company and the programming available. It will also speed up billing.
ESO provided a quote for the same type of software for an additional $5,000.
IT Director Richard Franks hasn’t extensively looked at the program, but said it would work fine.
The Starke County Commissioners approved a motion to approve the proposal from Health EMS pending the review of the legal agreement by County Attorney Marty Lucas.
The reporting software can be linked with the Physio Control devices used by paramedics and EMTs. Laptops can be used by the personnel to fully work with the new reporting software as it all links together. The commissioners asked Clary and Franks to work with options to purchase those computers and that will be reviewed at the next meeting.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The reporting software for the Starke County EMS Department is getting an upgrade.
EMS Director Travis Clary told the Starke County Commissioners last week that the state is requiring the department to be system compliant with report writing software. The department has to show substantial progress of upgrading software by Nov. 1 or else face a $500 fine per occurrence.
There are certain statistics the state is looking for and the current software doesn’t allow for that to be reported to the state.
Two systems were reviewed and Health EMS was the cheaper option at $9,792 which is a yearly payment for five years paid for by the EMS Department. Clary and Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie are pleased with this company and the programming available. It will also speed up billing.
ESO provided a quote for the same type of software for an additional $5,000.
IT Director Richard Franks hasn’t extensively looked at the program, but said it would work fine.
The Starke County Commissioners approved a motion to approve the proposal from Health EMS pending the review of the legal agreement by County Attorney Marty Lucas.
The reporting software can be linked with the Physio Control devices used by paramedics and EMTs. Laptops can be used by the personnel to fully work with the new reporting software as it all links together. The commissioners asked Clary and Franks to work with options to purchase those computers and that will be reviewed at the next meeting.
Monday, March 12, 2018
New Paramedics on Staff with Starke County EMS
Posted on March 12, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
There are two new full-time paramedics on staff with the Starke County EMS Department.
EMS Director Travis Clary notified the Starke County Commissioners last week that one of the new hires started the week of March 5 and the other will begin duties this week. Two new full-time Basic EMTs were also hired. They are replacing two vacancies from resignations.
Clary also mentioned that he would like to put in place a paramedic captain. The paramedic captain would be like a shift supervisor for when Clary is not on station or attending a function and is not reachable.
He is considering compensation for the added responsibility of either an additional $.25 or $.50 an hour for four paramedics to assume those duties. According to Clary, a $.25 increase would be $2,696 gross a year while the $.50 increase would be $5,408 gross a year. He said it wouldn’t have an extreme impact on the budget and it is less expensive than staffing an assistant director at a salary of over $40,000 a year.
The commissioners asked Clary to come up with a job description. They will review it and if they are in favor of the contents they will forward a recommendation for a paramedic captain to the county council. The council will then approve a wage. The commissioners anticipate reviewing the job description when they meet on Monday, March 19.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
There are two new full-time paramedics on staff with the Starke County EMS Department.
EMS Director Travis Clary notified the Starke County Commissioners last week that one of the new hires started the week of March 5 and the other will begin duties this week. Two new full-time Basic EMTs were also hired. They are replacing two vacancies from resignations.
Clary also mentioned that he would like to put in place a paramedic captain. The paramedic captain would be like a shift supervisor for when Clary is not on station or attending a function and is not reachable.
He is considering compensation for the added responsibility of either an additional $.25 or $.50 an hour for four paramedics to assume those duties. According to Clary, a $.25 increase would be $2,696 gross a year while the $.50 increase would be $5,408 gross a year. He said it wouldn’t have an extreme impact on the budget and it is less expensive than staffing an assistant director at a salary of over $40,000 a year.
The commissioners asked Clary to come up with a job description. They will review it and if they are in favor of the contents they will forward a recommendation for a paramedic captain to the county council. The council will then approve a wage. The commissioners anticipate reviewing the job description when they meet on Monday, March 19.
Friday, February 9, 2018
Starke County EMS Director Interviewing Paramedics, Issuing Recertifications
Posted on February 9, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Paramedics are needed everywhere in the state and nationwide. Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary told the commissioners this week that they are interviewing paramedics for two full-time opportunities.
“We implemented a new standard of hiring which requires a written test, skills test and oral interview to get the best candidate possible,” said Clary. “If nothing else, we can get more part-time paramedics, but really no luck so far. It seems like there’s a shortage nationwide. I know Pulaski County and LaPorte County are kinda hurting. So, that’s where we’re at with that.”
In the meantime, Clary said paramedics on staff were recertified in advanced cardiac life support. He has also traveled to some fire departments to provide medical training.
“We have seven volunteer departments in the county. In the past, a couple of them have decided to kinda get away from the first responder thing just because of training people and things like that. We’re trying to get that back in play so it helps out our community more.”
Clary has also recertified several firefighters in CPR and that same activity will occur at the Starke County Sheriff’s Department later this month.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Paramedics are needed everywhere in the state and nationwide. Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary told the commissioners this week that they are interviewing paramedics for two full-time opportunities.
“We implemented a new standard of hiring which requires a written test, skills test and oral interview to get the best candidate possible,” said Clary. “If nothing else, we can get more part-time paramedics, but really no luck so far. It seems like there’s a shortage nationwide. I know Pulaski County and LaPorte County are kinda hurting. So, that’s where we’re at with that.”
In the meantime, Clary said paramedics on staff were recertified in advanced cardiac life support. He has also traveled to some fire departments to provide medical training.
“We have seven volunteer departments in the county. In the past, a couple of them have decided to kinda get away from the first responder thing just because of training people and things like that. We’re trying to get that back in play so it helps out our community more.”
Clary has also recertified several firefighters in CPR and that same activity will occur at the Starke County Sheriff’s Department later this month.
Monday, January 15, 2018
Starke County EMS Department Working on Heating Issue at Ambulance Base
Posted on January 15, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County EMS Department is working to get the heat installed at the Grovertown EMS base.
EMS Director Travis Clary told the Starke County Commissioners last week that some parts were needed to install a ceiling-mounted heater at the base. The heater was purchased as an emergency need at the end of 2017 as medications were freezing while the ambulance was parked in the unheated garage. Clary noted that the heater was to be installed last week.
He added that the bathroom pipes did freeze at the base which has been an ongoing issue for several years during the winter season. That problem will be tackled at a later date.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County EMS Department is working to get the heat installed at the Grovertown EMS base.
EMS Director Travis Clary told the Starke County Commissioners last week that some parts were needed to install a ceiling-mounted heater at the base. The heater was purchased as an emergency need at the end of 2017 as medications were freezing while the ambulance was parked in the unheated garage. Clary noted that the heater was to be installed last week.
He added that the bathroom pipes did freeze at the base which has been an ongoing issue for several years during the winter season. That problem will be tackled at a later date.
Friday, December 29, 2017
Starke County Commissioners, Council Members Discuss Purchases
Posted on December 29, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County EMS Department will receive a much needed heater for the Medic 5 base in Grovertown.
In a specially-called joint session of the Starke County Commissioners and Starke County Council Thursday night, EMS Director Travis Clary said medications are freezing in the ambulance at the Grovertown base because there is not a proper heat source in the garage area. There is a good heat supply in the office area, but it is needed where the ambulance is parked to preserve intravenous and other perishable medications. The Starke County Commissioners declared the need an emergency and the council members approved the acquisition of a ceiling heater from McGrath’s Refrigeration not to exceed $2,057.87. The purchase will come from the 2017 budget.
Funds were also transferred and encumbered to cover payroll needs with the EMS staff.
After a presentation by IT Director Mark Gourley, the commissioners recommended buying eight new computers for use by the recorder’s office, planning commission, board of zoning appeals and EMA as an effort to upgrade the current computers. The new computers will also increase productivity as they will provide a quicker operating system and capability. The purchase price approved by the council members was just over $7,700. They also unanimously approved a motion to purchase Android tablets for use by the council and commissioners not to exceed $1,500. The idea is to receive all documents electronically to save on the amount of paperwork printed for each person at each meeting.
Starke County Surveyor Bill Crase requested the purchase of a scanner/printer large enough to scan books used by the surveyor’s office, health department, highway department and recorder’s office. It will also allow color copies of necessary documents. Crase said Eastern Engineering offered the lowest quote that best suits the needs of all departments in the amount of $8,995 with a one-year extended warranty of $795. The purchase was unanimously approved.
Crase added that this is a step toward electronically offering these documents online.
Crase will be talking with the State Board of Accounts on configuring a fee schedule for copies. The money generated from the fees will go into a line item that would go toward the cost of toner for the machine.
In a final action of the evening, the council approved the transfer of $50,000 into the Rainy Day Fund.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County EMS Department will receive a much needed heater for the Medic 5 base in Grovertown.
In a specially-called joint session of the Starke County Commissioners and Starke County Council Thursday night, EMS Director Travis Clary said medications are freezing in the ambulance at the Grovertown base because there is not a proper heat source in the garage area. There is a good heat supply in the office area, but it is needed where the ambulance is parked to preserve intravenous and other perishable medications. The Starke County Commissioners declared the need an emergency and the council members approved the acquisition of a ceiling heater from McGrath’s Refrigeration not to exceed $2,057.87. The purchase will come from the 2017 budget.
Funds were also transferred and encumbered to cover payroll needs with the EMS staff.
After a presentation by IT Director Mark Gourley, the commissioners recommended buying eight new computers for use by the recorder’s office, planning commission, board of zoning appeals and EMA as an effort to upgrade the current computers. The new computers will also increase productivity as they will provide a quicker operating system and capability. The purchase price approved by the council members was just over $7,700. They also unanimously approved a motion to purchase Android tablets for use by the council and commissioners not to exceed $1,500. The idea is to receive all documents electronically to save on the amount of paperwork printed for each person at each meeting.
Starke County Surveyor Bill Crase requested the purchase of a scanner/printer large enough to scan books used by the surveyor’s office, health department, highway department and recorder’s office. It will also allow color copies of necessary documents. Crase said Eastern Engineering offered the lowest quote that best suits the needs of all departments in the amount of $8,995 with a one-year extended warranty of $795. The purchase was unanimously approved.
Crase added that this is a step toward electronically offering these documents online.
Crase will be talking with the State Board of Accounts on configuring a fee schedule for copies. The money generated from the fees will go into a line item that would go toward the cost of toner for the machine.
In a final action of the evening, the council approved the transfer of $50,000 into the Rainy Day Fund.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Starke County Commissioners to Meet Tonight
Posted on September 5, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners have several items up for discussion when they meet tonight.
The three board members will discuss the coroner’s pay for 2018. Coroner Dannie Hoffer appeared before the board in August asking for a pay raise, stating that he’s the lowest paid coroner in the state.
The commissioners will also get an update on how the ambulance repairs are coming along and how the budget is faring for the Starke County EMS Department. Director Travis Clary and Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie will present a monthly report.
Maintenance Director James Coad will discuss the annex building parking lot as well as electric on the third floor of the Starke County Courthouse.
Other items on the agenda include a presentation on the county’s insurance renewal, a 2017 Capital Assets report, the 2018 holiday calendar and a date for the commissioners’ certificate tax sale. Anthony Rybicki will talk to the commissioners about Woodland Ave. in Koontz Lake.
The Starke County Commissioners will meet at 6 p.m. CT in the Starke County Annex Building No. 1.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners have several items up for discussion when they meet tonight.
The three board members will discuss the coroner’s pay for 2018. Coroner Dannie Hoffer appeared before the board in August asking for a pay raise, stating that he’s the lowest paid coroner in the state.
The commissioners will also get an update on how the ambulance repairs are coming along and how the budget is faring for the Starke County EMS Department. Director Travis Clary and Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie will present a monthly report.
Maintenance Director James Coad will discuss the annex building parking lot as well as electric on the third floor of the Starke County Courthouse.
Other items on the agenda include a presentation on the county’s insurance renewal, a 2017 Capital Assets report, the 2018 holiday calendar and a date for the commissioners’ certificate tax sale. Anthony Rybicki will talk to the commissioners about Woodland Ave. in Koontz Lake.
The Starke County Commissioners will meet at 6 p.m. CT in the Starke County Annex Building No. 1.
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